Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has raised alarm over the withdrawal of his security by the Ministry of Interior, a move that he believes is linked to his increased criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration especially on police brutality.
Though the officers were called to “attend training”, Mr Maraga says he was not consulted, with the move coming just two days after the former Judiciary boss joined Gen Z youth protests on Wednesday.
Mr Maraga on Friday wrote a protest letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja stating that the withdrawal was illegal.
He says having a police security detail is part of the benefits available and guaranteed to a retired Chief Justice as provided in the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act.
“Under the Act, the Retired Chief Justice is entitled to Police security and Police drivers who are to be provided upon request by the retired Chief Justice. Since my retirement on January 12, 2021 I have had the services of armed guards and Police drivers, whom I requested for, from the National Police Service and was granted, as per the provisions of the Act cited above,” says Mr Maraga in the letter as he joins list of opposition politicians facing wrath of the State.
He links the withdrawal to his participation in the June 25 national protests to mark the first anniversary of anti-tax bill demonstrations.
Former CJ Maraga whisked to safety as police fire tear gas
He says that June 25 after participating in the protests one of the police officers attached to him was asked not to report for duty but instead go and make a routine (monthly) entry in the firearm register.
On the said day Mr Maraga joined the youth and families of the victims who died and those who went missing from the events of June 25, 2024.
The officer was suddenly informed of a training that was to take place on the same day, says Mr Maraga.
The following day he was informed that the rest of the security officers had also been asked to report to their stations, without any further information.
“While I understand that security officers on assignment are required to attend training from time to time, it is my understanding and past experience that such action is usually undertaken in consultation, and with prior formal communication to me,” he says in the letter.
According to him, the decision of the Ministry is a reaction to his move to speak out against the manner in which the Police have carried out investigations into the controversial circumstances surrounding the murder of teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
“I specifically called for the arrest and prosecution of senior police officers who were mentioned in connection with the murder. I have enjoyed the services of the officers attached in my office for almost five years now uninterrupted. It is curious that they were suddenly recalled after my public criticism of the police leadership and my participation in the Nairobi CBD March of June 25, 2025,” Mr Maraga.
Asking for restoration of the security, he informs CS Murkomen and IG Kanja that the security arrangements and other facilitation by the National Police Service are benefits guaranteed to him under the Constitution and the law.
